Authorities have released the identity of a young man who was found shot to death late Monday night on the porch of a residence in southwest Birmingham. The tragic discovery has added to the city’s growing homicide count and left investigators searching for answers as the community grapples with yet another life lost to gun violence.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim on Wednesday as 21-year-old D’Andre Latrell Sowell Jr., a resident of Calera. Officials said the shooting occurred around 11:45 p.m. Monday in the 3400 block of Boise Avenue. Police were alerted to the incident after gunfire was detected in the area, prompting an immediate response.
Officers from the Birmingham Police Department’s West Precinct were dispatched to the scene after Shot Spotter technology picked up the sound of gunshots nearby. When officers arrived at the location, they discovered Sowell lying on the front porch of what appeared to be an abandoned house, according to police.
Emergency responders attempted to assess the situation, but Sowell had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The coroner’s office confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:13 a.m. Tuesday. The exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and investigators have not released details about how many shots were fired or where Sowell was struck.
Officer De’Rell Freeman said information surrounding the incident is limited at this time. Police have not identified any suspects, and no arrests have been made. Detectives are continuing to canvass the area, review available evidence, and speak with anyone who may have been in the vicinity when the gunfire occurred.
Sowell’s death marks Birmingham’s 86th homicide so far this year, highlighting the continued challenge the city faces with violent crime. Across Jefferson County, there have been a total of 126 homicides, a figure that includes the cases reported within Birmingham. Law enforcement officials say each number represents a person whose life was cut short, leaving behind grieving family members and friends.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Individuals who may know something, no matter how small it may seem, are encouraged to contact Birmingham police detectives at 205-254-1764. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Police hope that public assistance will help bring clarity and justice in the death of D’Andre Latrell Sowell Jr.
